Bill > S0052

This bill, titled the "Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law," prohibits drivers from manually typing or entering text, emails, or instant messages into a wireless communications device, defined as any handheld device capable of text communication or internet access, while operating a motor vehicle, though exceptions exist for emergency responders, reporting emergencies, receiving navigation or safety-related information, or operating autonomous vehicles. Evidence of a violation in the event of a crash resulting in death or injury may include billing records or statements from authorities, and enforcement by law enforcement will only occur as a secondary action, meaning an officer must first stop a driver for another traffic violation. Furthermore, the bill amends existing law to assign points to a driver's license for unlawful use of a wireless communications device that results in a crash or is committed within a school safety zone, with repeat offenses within five years being treated as a moving violation.